The 19 best spots for soup in Port Phillip

I have been going to Republica once a week for over a year now, as they are partners with the Social Volleyball event. I always get the same items from the menu: pepperoni or brisket pizza, fried chicken and chips. The beer is always cold, the service is quick and the casual vibe during summer time is what you want. I should add a mention to the salmon tartare, really good.

We had a fantastic time over the weekend celebrating my daughter’s birthday. She wanted ocean views, and she got them! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was vibrant, and the live music was just awesome. Every staff member we met was friendly and helpful. Thank you for making it such a special day!

Perfect spot by the beach to unwind. The fried chicken was hands-down the best I’ve had in a while — crispy, juicy, and full of flavour. Paired it with fish & chips, which were fresh and satisfying. Cold beer, ocean breeze, and great vibes made it an ideal St Kilda afternoon.

Such a lovely establishment with friendly helpful staff, and decent priced delicious food. The location is beautiful. We had breakfast here and the serving sizes were quite generous.

Really good quality food - chips were perfectly cooked, seasoned and crispy right down to the last one. Chicken was delicious too. Good beer and the atmosphere and vibes were lovely. Would definitely return.

🦐 Republica St Kilda – Great Seafood, Relaxed Vibes & Stunning Views 🌊✨ Located right by St Kilda Beach, Republica is a lively and stylish restaurant that’s perfect for enjoying fresh seafood while soaking up Melbourne’s iconic coastal atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of tasty dishes, with highlights like grilled prawns, oysters, calamari, and seasonal seafood platters — all served with fresh, vibrant flavors that pair beautifully with the beachside setting. 🦪🍤🐟 The vibes are relaxed yet energetic, with a modern interior and a spacious outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean views and salty sea breeze. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind with friends, share a meal, or enjoy a few drinks while watching the sunset over St Kilda. Do keep in mind that Republica can get quite busy, especially on weekends and sunny days, so it’s a good idea to book ahead if you want a table with the best view. Despite the crowd, the lively energy makes it part of the fun beachside experience. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, a great location, and vibrant beach vibes, Republica St Kilda is definitely worth a visit — a perfect place to relax, dine, and enjoy Melbourne’s coastal charm. 🌅🍷

Enjoyed some drinks here — the atmosphere was excellent and welcoming. The presence of a live band added a vibrant and warm touch to the environment. Despite being busy, the staff remained courteous and attentive throughout.

Superlative food n fantastic service. They are very attentive n on hand to anticipate any of your needs. Will recommend this as a bucket list item. The only reason why I gave 4 stars for atmosphere was: by the time it was our turn to tour the kitchen, most of the food preparation had finished so there's nothing much to observe. The schedule should be more flexible

The set menu is coherent, celebrating native ingredients. Very innovative. Enjoyed most of the savoury but love the desserts most, especially the soufflé. Probably the best i have ever tasted. Was told the recipe was kept since restaurant opening. Definitely the signature dish! The little tour to open kitchen is a bonus. It is a bit pricey but worthwhile given good food, great ambience and night view.

My partner and I had dinner at Vue de Monde to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and the entire experience was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. It was clear that the team is passionate about every single detail. The food was extraordinary. Each course was a work of art, showcasing innovative combinations and visually stunning presentations that truly highlighted the quality of the ingredients. But what made the evening truly unforgettable was the personal and attentive service. The staff made our celebration feel incredibly special by presenting us with a personalized card signed by the team to commemorate our anniversary. A major highlight was the post-meal tour of their kitchen, where a staff member graciously showed us their operations and answered our questions. It was a fascinating look behind the scenes and a perfect end to the meal. It was a experience made memorable by a team that genuinely cares. Highly recommended for any special occasion.

Highly recommend for any special occasions. The experience starts from the moment you enter the foyer at street level where you are greeted and it continues as you take the lift to the 55th floor. The views are spectacular looking out to Melbourne high above the city at sunset. The wait staff were truly amazing and really did everything to break the mold of robot waiters,they added their own personal touch which was well received. The dining area was spacious and left the experience very intiment. The food was a absolute culinary masterpiece. The flavors and the textures and unique paintings of some foods left an orgasmic explosion in your mouth. We celebrated our 40th birthdays at Vue we made the most perfect choice of restaurants for this momentous occasion. The chefs tour of the kitchen added a whole new element to the experience, With Wealth of knowledge and overall experience every section of the kitchen was explaon in great detail by the Sous Chef who was a very funny yet very professional man. We enjoyed a photo with the chefs and the topped out the experience for us it was beautiful. After this we returned to our table to find beautiful personalized birthday cards signed by the staff. It was truly a night and experience that we will remember forever and pass on the message to as many people as possible. Highly recommended

We celebrated my birthday at Vue de Monde (2 Oct 2025), and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The team (especially Silvia, Barbara, Mia, and Neil) were outstanding, attentive, intuitive, and genuinely kind. They struck the perfect balance between engagement and giving us space, making the evening feel effortless. From the lobby welcome to our farewell, every interaction was thoughtful and polished. They handled complex allergy requirements with remarkable care, never once making us feel like an inconvenience. Each of the 11 or so courses were perfectly portioned and timed. We had to decline the cheese course as we were so full! Every dish flowed into the next with thoughtful precision, each complementing the previous and what was to come. My highlights included; the garlic and leek tart, wagyu and damper, and the ice cream sandwich. The Million Dollar Baby cocktail was a heavenly must from Lui Bar. This paired with the views made the evening even more memorable. At the end, they presented a handwritten birthday card, which was a beautiful personal touch. It’s those small gestures, paired with flawless service and exceptional food, that make the Vue de Monde team truly world class. We are so grateful to the team for making the night unforgettable, and we will definitely be back.

One of the best restaurants if not the best restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere. From the time we got there till the time I left, the entire experience was amazing. The somm team, the wait staff were just exceptional. Explaining every single dish, element of the restaurant and the the inspiration behind. A special shout out to Raj, for being the absolutely lovely host and to the lovely team Barbie, Nicole, Danny, Ben, PJ, Cody, Maite and Fergus and everyone. (I couldn’t remember everyone’s names). The service, the atmosphere and the food were nothing short of exceptional. It was an absolute pleasure to visit this place and I can’t stress enough to visit it again! Much Love!

The food is perfection and every dish is a work of art - so beautiful and creative and the tableware uses gorgeous natural materials. But it’s the team that work there that make it such a special experience! Our fave part of the night was the kitchen tour and the interactive station with the patisserie chef. Shoutout to Andy for the tour - we loved meeting the team that brings it all to life, like Jack, the apprentice, he was all smiles and full of energy!

Although wasn’t intended to visit as my son just needed to go to the toilets but the manager was very nice and kind so we stayed for lunch after knowing it’s an Asian fusion restaurant. The dishes were amazing. Very well plated and cooked. We had a pleasant time.

This is my second time at this restaurant, and the food is still just as good. We ordered the lobster burgers and sticky rice cakes again, like last time, and also tried some new dishes. I highly recommend the roast pork—it’s perfectly cooked, soft, juicy, and full of flavor. The dumplings, on the other hand, were a bit too plain and not very impressive. The flounder was an interesting surprise for me. It came with a type of Japanese kombu I hadn’t tried before—it looked grey, turned a little slimy when eaten, and had a very strong taste. Personally, I enjoyed it, but I can see how it might not be

***** Supernormal: My Go-To for a Fantastic Night Out! Supernormal is, quite simply, my favorite spot in the city. After five visits, it remains consistently excellent. Everything, from the moment you walk in, is top-notch. The food is always the star, and I can never go past the lamb, it's always incredible, perfectly cooked, and a dish I look forward to every single time. And let's not forget that amazing little complimentary touch: the soy-roasted pumpkin seeds they bring out at the beginning are addictive! Beyond the food, the ambience is buzzing yet comfortable, the service is always great (attentive but never intrusive), and they truly nail the drinks. Their cocktails are inventive and delicious, and the wine selection is broad and thoughtful. Supernormal delivers a fantastic experience across the board. If you're looking for an unforgettable meal and a great time, this is the place. I can't wait for my sixth visit!

My colleague and I had lunch on Saturday, September 27th. We thought it was a very pleasant venue to get together. The menu is somewhat limited, but we didn't worry about it. The quality was great. We had double portions of the Lobster roll ( 2 each), the Duck leg, and the Scallops. Prepare to pay premium prices. We were seated at the counter which isn't convenient for personal conversations. ( hence 4 stars). The staff were very accommodating ( The manager (?) in the black suit and glasses was a typical and a professional host. Compliments to the Sommelier. Delightful wine list and the Medhurst Chardonnay 2024 ( Yarra Valley) was such a great accompaniment with the lobster rolls.

Friday night 5pm no reservation no problem. Grand Final eve so the vibe was great. Excellent Gin Martini served politely and professionally by Jez I think? Snake Bean side excellent, Prawn Toast and Lobster roll A1…. but what brought me to tears literally with some Umami taste stimulated dopamine hit …was a special dish of a Shark Bay WA Scallops. Seaweed butter torched on shell with some sort of Culinary Voodoo inspired seasoning it became immediately the most delicious thing I’ve eaten in decades. We hastily ordered another serve. Having been reviewed weekly in my own hospitality environment I am not prone to thrashing out reviews for reviews sake. Truly exceptional experience food and service.

My partner and I went to supernormal which is a Melbourne institution for Asian fusion. We sat at the bar/open kitchen and its great to see your food being cooked and plated right in front of you. Service and food where on point but in my opinion the dishes are overly sauces. Personally I just find my pallet in over driver after every dish. Don't get me wrong eveything was delicious! Do give this place a try~

Booked for dinner here for two having been a while back as part of a larger group and wanted to share the experience. I'd originally booked a table for 8:15 but managed to move it to a bar sitting at 7:00 which suited much better and the staff were very flexible with helping with that. It's a buzzing place and the one thing we made comment on was that there was just the incredible sound and atmosphere of people chatting and enjoying themselves, without any heavy overbearing music anywhere. Made it very easy to chat and enjoy and discuss everything we were eating. We went for the set menu option 1 so we could try a little of everything and have to say that overall it was outstanding. The only dish that seemed to lack a little in our opinion was the chicken, which unfortunately was the main course, although the selection of dishes we had been served up to then didn't make this a massive disappointment, and in fact we asked for the chicken to be packed to go with us. Desert was a wonderfully decadent dish and the perfect finish. Will definitely be looking to come here again and try a variety of other dishes.

First experience at the much heralded Flower Drum and overall the experience was a good one. The service and atmosphere of the restaurant are truly first class. Found the food to be a little hit or miss. Some dishes were exemplary and then others lacked a bit flavour. Obviously this is a small sample size so not doubting the restaurants reputation for outstanding cusine. However given the eye watering prices of all dishes the hope would be 10/10 flavour on all orders. All this being said, this was an enjoyable experience and would recommend to anyone looking to have a truly authentic Cantonese dining experience in Melbourne.

Great place for celebration. We had three course lunch today. Food was nice. Service was attentive. Not your typical Chinese restaurant. But if you are looking for something bit more up scale and finer this is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Absolutely wonderful dining experience at Flower Drum. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the food was exceptional in both quality and presentation. My friend and I enjoyed the signature banquet, and every dish was a delight. It’s not the kind of place you visit every day, but it’s worth every visit for a special occasion. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a truly memorable Cantonese meal in Melbourne.

I had dinner at the venue last Sunday for my Birthday Celebration but they did not include any special offer, so to mention in advance your special occasion does not make any difference. We ordered the chef selection ($300 pp + $60 pp, wagyu upgrade) and it was very average overall and it did not feel that the experience was fine dining. For that price you can go to Vue de Monde, Amaru or Minamishima and adding the beluga caviar for some extra bucks and you will definitely have a much better experience. Table was dirty when we arrived and we got probably the worst table at the venue (corner table with very little space, I recommended that table should not exist) but this point for me was not an issue as I had high expectations for the food, unfortunately the food totally disappointed us. Maybe the highlights were the Peking duck and wagyu dish, but what could be wrong with very safe dishes, right? As I said before food was extremely average and very pricey for the food quality. I felt that all dishes were very oily, and the presentation was not detailed as plate came dirty or very disorganised. There is not a non-alcoholic pairing for chef selection as well. Service was friendly.

Everything was perfect. We were a big group for my son’s birthday and the waiter was very helpful helping with the menu choice. We had a variety of chicken, pork, beef, seafood and duck. The cocktails were delicious and the food exceptional. I didn’t take a photo of everything that came out because we had so many little servings at the beginning and we were all so hungry. But I highly recommend flower drum.

Had dinner with a reservation and ordered a selection of dim sums and appetisers. Started of with the dim sums which included the mud crab siu lung bao and scallop siu mai (both had a nice seafood sweetness, not a common filling you would find in a yumcha restaurant), prawn har gao, pork siu lung bao and pork jiaozi. Then came the large seafood soup dumpling filled with a large piece of scallop, mud crab, mushroom and bamboo shoots in a clear chicken broth. This was warm, hearty and clean tasting. This was followed with the appetisers. The pearl meat dish is sautéed with spring onion, garlic chives and asparagus, served on a beautiful shell plate. It was soft and delicate; tried the oyster and fermented shrimp sauces that came on the side but they were both too strong and overpowering. For the dragon boat prawn dish, it is a butterflied king prawn topped with minced prawn and scallop meat, served with a spicy prawn bisque which has some heat and intense savoury seafood flavour; the sweet snap peas was a nice palate cleanser for the dish. The lamb spring rolls was crispy and piping hot but the meat was quite gamy. The peking duck comes with two pieces; pancake wrap had a soft chewy texture, roast duck meat was tender, skin was not crispy but was good enough with the contrasting texture from the cucumber and spring onion, and the sweet plum sauce tied everything together. Overall a decent meal, highlight was the seafood soup dumpling and the scallop siu mai. Service was good; the staff was checking in occasionally and refilling the tea. Price is on the higher end.

The food was next level, one of the best meals I have ever had. We let our waiter choose our food and we didn't regret it. Fine dining at its best. Very attentive waiting staff. Watching them prepare some dishes next to tables was great to watch. Very impressive. All of the staff knew what to do and were very diligent. Spectacular evening. We went to the bar after our meal. I think they were short staffed, they prepared the drinks elsewhere and forgot we were their at times. Other than that I couldn't fault the whole evening. I can see why this place gets rave reviews. It lives up to its reputation.

Absolutely love the vibe at South Melbourne Market. It has a warm, welcoming feel and a fantastic mix of stalls. Whether you’re after fresh produce, delicious street food, or unique boutique finds, there’s something for everyone. Interesting and clean market. Always a pleasure to visit!

The Burrata Festival was great — I loved that it wasn’t overloaded with the same type of food stalls, which made it a unique experience. However, I do feel there shouldn’t have been an entry fee (or if so, it should’ve been minimal). The stall prices also didn’t feel very reasonable for a festival setting. That said, the overall food experience was exceptional 😋, and that’s really what the night was all about — enjoying delicious food and great vibes!

Love visiting South Melbourne Market! There’s such a great variety of food and goods — from fresh produce and seafood to homeware and little gifts. The market is clean, tidy, and always has a nice atmosphere. Really enjoyed the coffee and pastry while strolling around, and picked up some household items too. The biggest surprise was the sea urchin — I’ve never seen one so big before! And the oysters were incredibly fresh — I love that natural (taste of the sea). Absolutely worth checking out if you enjoy good food and fresh seafood.

I really enjoy South Melbourne Market, and it’s definitely one of my favourites. The market is always vibrant and lively, yet clean and well organised. There’s a great variety from fresh produce, gourmet foods, and street eats to seafood, meats, fashion, and homewares. We especially love the pastries from Agathé and the fresh oysters and prawns from the seafood stalls.

A great spot to explore a variety of fresh foods. We came mainly for the oysters and seafood paella, but the market has plenty more to see and taste, from fresh produce to specialty foods. A lively and bustling place for food lovers! 🦪🥘

Very vibrant place for both food and shopping, suggest go very early to avoid the crowd. Seafood are quite similar between diff stalls, unless you want one that offer the specific location's harvest, they are all similar pricing.

South Melbourne Market is a really nice place to find fresh seafood and meat and many many delicious cuisine！ You should try different oysters here as a tourist. And there is a free car park！Bro！

This was an awesome dining experience. We dined on a Saturday night and the wait staff were attentive, the cocktails delicious and the food was amazing. The portions were generous and it's now on the favourites list.

We enjoyed dinner prior to a concert at Palasis Theatre, the staff were aware we had a time frame to make the show, food came in a timely manner and the staff were very friendly, We started with a herb & garlic flat bread with mixed warmed olives, both were delicious. Then we shared the meatballs, super delicious, they were cheesy with rich tomato sauce, great comfort food. We also shared a pasta matricana, this was disappointing, certainly not worth the $30+ price tag. The little black squares of meat, didn't taste fresh, it was missing the fresh of bacon & spice of chilli. We enjoyed a couple of cocktails l enjoyed the limoncello sgroppino, and hubby had cuppacino Martini. We would definitely go back but not for that pasta dish.

Rococo offers a pleasant enough environment with a comfortably casual atmosphere. The food is of good quality, nicely presented, and reasonably satisfying, certainly one of the stronger points of the experience. That said, the service leaves much to be desired. The staff were not particularly warm or welcoming, which took away from what could have been a much more enjoyable visit. Politeness costs nothing, and in a setting like this, it’s part of what makes the meal memorable. In summary, Rococo is an okay spot for a decent meal, but don’t go in expecting exceptional hospitality. Worth a visit for the food, just lower your expectations when it comes to service.

I've been to Rocco previously and found it to be a bit pricey with the food and service not meeting the standard you'd expect for the price and vibe they are trying to achieve, however upon our recent visit, something had shifted in the best way. Food was excellent, every item we had was delicious! The drinks equally so - we forgot to take photos as we couldn't wait to try the next dish!! We sat outside under the heater on a cold Melbourne night and it was still perfect! Our server, Matthew was a delight and made the evening even better. Glad to see a st Kilda sample stepping up and bringing the quality of food and service you'd expect from this area!

have came here for father’s day (the past 3 years) and today for my dads birthday - this restaurant is honestly one of the best restaurants i have ever been too. the hosts are so welcoming, friendly and accomodate us so well. the food always is of fresh high quality and portion sizes are great. i leave always feeling satisfied and happy. love this restaurant so much words cant describe

Been here many times. Food is always incredible. For a restaurant that is super busy and now has many others, they certainly still maintain the quality. My only comment is the price, but I guess you get what you pay for 😂👌🏼

While staying with our friends in St Kilda we decided to go to Rococo. We were a party of 5 so we definitely had to make a reservation and good thing we did. When we arrived at 1930 it was very busy, but we were greeted right away and Sat immediately. We had a nice table on the end of the row near the bar so we didn't feel locked in. Our server made her way to us after about 5 or 7 mins, by then we had made all of our minds up on what we wanted. Once our orders were placed the food and drink came out in a timely manner. The drinks were good and our starters were great. The Burrata was delicious and the arancini were delicious. Our plates came out not to long after and the plates and food were very hot and fresh. Everybody's food looked and tasted very good. My pasta was fresh and the sauce was mild and tasted good. You could tell the pasta was fresh and the sauce was just right and not over powering. Overall we had an enjoyable time and would return again.

We dined at Cafe Di Stasio this evening for my husband’s birthday. Such faultless food and service, with an understated elegance. The service was exemplary, the food absolutely exquisite. After having visited Melbourne several times over the years, this was truly an exceptional dining experience.

We celebrated you anniversary at Cafe Di Stasio in St Kilda and it was brilliant. Staff were fantastic, ambiance was perfect and the food was amazing! Can't wait to go back and try more from the menu!

We went for a special occasion and had no trouble making a booking using the online system. The restaurant is quite intimate, very dark inside with only small windows and no view of the street at all. Really we could have been anywhere. The menu is authentic Italian and everything we ordered was fabulous! The angel hair pasta on the specials menu had a mushroom ragout sauce and was to die for. We ordered baked oysters, plus the slow cooked lamb and the beef - which was served rare, sliced and truly melted in my mouth. The roasted veggies were also delicious. We shared two desserts and can recommend the tiramisu. It was quite cosy seating wise and with so many hard surfaces (concrete walls and floring) it's a very noisy space. I could barely hear our conversation when the restaurant was full. Nevertheless I would still say it was a romantic environment. Our lunch for two without excessive drinks came to $350 however they do offer a set menu with two courses and a glass of wine for around $39pp. Great place for a special occasion or a truly authentic Italian fine dining experience.

Exceptional food, service and atmosphere A modern Italian fine dining experience from start to finish. A perfect evening. Not cheap but totally worth it.

Remains one of the best restaurants in Melbourne after all these years. Yes, the food is fabulous, but for once, genuinely, the waiting staff make the key difference. Professional and knowledgeable, ask them to help with food and the wine list, you really won't be sorry.

PRICES INCONGRUENT WITH QUALITY AND SERVICE Cafe Di Stasio has the makings of a good restaurant but falls down on both service and quality. We dropped in for lunch on a weekend - set menu of either 3 or 5 courses. We opted for the 3 course - a scallop entree, pasta or chicken main and a slice of tiramisu. $230 all up with water is way over the top for what you get. The waiter was efficient but in that cool, stuffy way that doesn't gel with the Fitzroy al fresco dining vibe (we sat outside). People with mobility issues will struggle if they need to use the bathroom as it is located up a set of narrow stairs. the entrance has a small step to negotiate but otherwise the dining room is all on one level. Al fresco is an obvious option in beachside St Kilda but the outdoor tables feel very exposed to the passing parade on busy Fitzroy Street so I'd recommend indoor dining. As a lunch destination I think you would be better trying one of the numerous restaurants actually on the foreshore - cheaper and more menu options. If you are after a serious evening dining experience its probably an OK option. Street parking is fairly fierce but the tram line runs right past the door.

Amazing Italian food done right. No fuss, just the traditional way. Probably the closest you can get to Italy now due to Covid travel restrictions! However, this place is not your everyday eatery. The price is a bit steep, so it's definitely a place to go to for a special occasion. Not to mention, service was also great.

What a great plant-based dining experience in such a beautiful, vibrant space! The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. The food and drinks were absolutely incredible. The menu has something for everyone to enjoy together. It was a perfect dining experience all around. I’ll definitely be back soon!

Good vibes and lovely service – it’s definitely the place to be! The food was amazing: we had several starters, one main, and still found room for dessert. Every dish was impressive, and we truly appreciated the chefs’ hard work in crafting a great dining experience. Unfortunately, each plate had a few small flaws that kept us from having that real “WOW” moment. Still, it’s absolutely an amazing place to enjoy food in Melbourne! Great job, guys!

My mates and I (you may remember us as the 3 guys with the funky t-shirts!) came by this past Sunday, and what an experience it was! Every single dish we tried was absolutely fantastic. Honestly, there wasn’t a single dish we didn’t enjoy, which was such a pleasant surprise. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made us feel at home. Huge shoutout to them for being so kind and attentive. We had such a great time that we’re already planning our return. Next time, we’ll be bringing t-shirts for the team as well. Food, service, and value: all 5 stars! The only reason I’m giving 4 stars for atmosphere is because it was a tad chilly. Thank you for making our Sunday so memorable!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smith + Daughters, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped in, the warm, vibrant atmosphere and the welcoming staff set the perfect tone for the evening. The attention to detail in every dish was remarkable. The flavors were bold and beautifully balanced, with each plate thoughtfully presented to delight both the eyes and the palate. The aromas alone were enough to make the experience special, drawing you in before even taking the first bite. The cocktails were crafted with precision, offering unique and refreshing combinations that perfectly complemented the meal. Opting for the set menu was an excellent choice—it showcased the creativity and expertise of the kitchen, with each course flowing seamlessly into the next. Smith + Daughters is a true gem, proving that plant-based dining can be just as indulgent, satisfying, and exciting as any other culinary experience. I can’t wait to return! Alex from Perth

Unreal food, and I’m definitely not vegan. Incredibly friendly staff that squeezed me with no reservation and awesome chefs enjoying themselves in the kitchen! A real treat!

Staff here are super lovely and help to create a wonderful atmosphere to eat and relax. The food was delicious - we had the 4 course banquet of the middle eastern menu reboot and it didn’t disappoint. The salad was nice but the ‘charred’ aspect didn’t do much to the flavour of it. This was my second time dining here and Id definitely recommend, and will probably be back in future!

Lovely venue, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Great food, with a great selection (sat on the high tables, so you can see all the cooking going into the dishes and was told it was a new menu! so many nice dishes to choose from!) and the staff were all delightful. Great experience from start to finish.

Great service and nice spot but the food was mediocre. Out of all our dishes, the tiny mushroom croquettes were the most flavourful. The desserts were nothing great—with the truffle flavour really offsetting the pumpkin mousse in a bad way.

We had such a wonderful dining experience at Osteria Ilaria. The wait staff were incredibly accommodating, friendly, and genuinely caring. They took the time to explain the chef’s specials in detail and offered thoughtful recommendations, which made us feel very well looked after. We decided to go with the Chef’s Selection, and it was an excellent choice. The menu offered a generous variety – two entrees, two starters, two mains with a side, and two desserts – all perfectly paced so each dish arrived at just the right moment. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, but the standout for us was the Wagyu rump steak. It was cooked to perfection – wonderfully crisp on the outside while staying rare and tender in the centre. Absolutely outstanding. Overall, a fantastic experience from start to finish. Great service, an impressive menu, and food that truly delivers on quality. Highly recommended.

My friend took me here for my birthday after hearing good things, but honestly left pretty disappointed. For the price you pay, the food and execution just didn’t deliver. Mushroom Croquette (2.5/5) – Looked promising but was bland. Hardly any mushroom flavour came through, and overall it tasted quite flat. Tuna Crudo (4/5) – This dish had a pleasant salt and citrus balance once mixed properly. At first, eating the top layer alone was too salty, but when combined, it came together quite well. King Prawn Tagliolini (2/5) – Easily the biggest letdown. The prawns were overcooked, tough, and dry, missing that sweet, juicy bite. The pasta was also overdone, lacking that proper al dente texture. The flavour was okay, but that’s about it. Sher Wagyu (4/5) – The saving grace of the night. Nicely cooked with a good beef flavour, and the lemon sauce with a hummus-like texture actually worked well. But serving it with just three stems of broccolini felt lazy for the price point. By the end, we skipped dessert; the prices and limited choices, combined with the underwhelming experience, just didn’t feel worth it. Overall, the dishes looked good but didn’t live up to expectations. For a birthday dinner, it felt more disappointing than special.

We had an absolutely lovely experience our first time here on Wednesday 22nd while our second time left a lot to be desired. On our first visit, Alice was wonderful. Very attentive and explained everything very well. Our water and wine glasses were always full and nothing was missed. I don’t remember the sommelier’s name (I’m sorry for that), but she was wonderful as well. Perfect evening.. The food is good here, an Australian touch on classic Italian dishes. Our second time here on Friday 24th Completely different! Service left a lot to be desired. 1. I was given a dirty plate that seemed like it still has butter and some sauce on it (mistakes happen) 2. We had to ask a waiter if we could have our wine that was on ice in a bucket not far from us after we had finished our cocktails For context : you don’t have your individual ice buckets, but a communal ice bucket. The pouring is done by the server. We’ve seen this at many places in Australia. 3. Empty wine glasses more than once (if the wine was on our table we would’ve poured it ourselves) not being precious at all here. 4. Empty bottle of water with no one replacing it. 5. Pouring wine or water from behind the customer on the right but placing cutlery by crossing the customer in the front! Now it’s one thing if there is no waiter passing by your table and therefore you understand that it’s busy and you’re going to have to wait, but not in our case. The waiter who was serving our table actually passed us more than once on some occasions and didn’t bother until I actually had to ask another waiter if we could have our wine and he alerted our waiter, same for more water. This place is getting a 4 star only because of Alice and our sommelier on Wednesday 22nd October.

Had the set menu, gorgeous restaurant, yummy food, with the set menu it was very well priced. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our time here. The Juniper Meringue, Buffalo Milk and Blackcurrant Gelato was the greatest desert I have ever eaten !! It’s part of the set menu, get it!!

Came here for my friend’s birthday two weeks ago. The food portions were pretty small for the price, and the oysters weren’t that fresh. The total bill was 230 for 4 girls but we weren't full lol. The service was nice though! I’d say this place is better if you just want a cozy spot to grab some drinks and chill with friends after work, not really for a proper dinner.

TLDR; Amazing, so give it a try! We went there for dinner and they did not disappoint, atmosphere was great, service was greater and food was amazing. For snacks: Porcini Mushroom Croquette, Crisp Potato, Amaebi Prawn Tart & Beef Tartare. For starters: Salmon Carpaccio, Stracciatella (my fav), Pappa al pomodoro cabbage and an Iberico Pork Dish (amazing) For mains: Tagliolini with King Prawns and Wagyu Rump with Potatoes and Brussels Dessert: Olive oil Ricotta Panna Cotta (i think) and a chocolate mousse. Honestly, everything was great so just go!

Wonderful service from the start till the end. Flavours were spot-on and the cucumber snack was definitely a highlight - mostly hits and no misses! Was celebrating my birthday as a solo diner and really appreciated all the small gestures and compliments that were generously provided during my meal. Kudos to the team!

Very tasty, though pricey, dinner! Came for dinner before a show with some friends & sat at the bar. Nice intimate vibe, though a little squishy. Food was amazing! I’d say for sure on the pricy end for how much you get - but can’t fault the flavours. Service was great & as a gf girly they offered great swap out for me, even with sharing plates. Special mention to the cucumber starter - it was insanleyyyy good! The scallops were also amazing. Peaking duck, of course incredible and the lamb was the absolute standout for us, so perfectly cooked, we lost our minds. Dumplings were fine, I’d give them a miss and try something else. Worth a visit for a special occasion!

I would travel far and wide to taste the sweet, crispy and wonderfully sticky eggplant, the intimate and mood lit dining room where we travelled through a delicious series of dishes that were impeccable! I loved everything about this place, from the copious cups of fresh tea, strawberries and pork and Peking duck. Continuing onto desserts which were all so wonderfully cleansing! I have now joined the list of people who’s favourite dining experience is Lee Ho Fook because let’s face it, after that I don’t think I would be the only one! I cannot wait to come back

Went here for the restaurant's 10 year anniversary for a nice date night, but had to wait 20 minutes to be seated even with a booking. Servers were not proactive in attending to us when we got in. Must admit, the food was incredible and really took us on a journey which brings my rating up. One of the servers was quite nice, he gave us some tea to take home and offered to take a picture of me and my partner. So the experience ended in a positive way. Hopefully won't have as long of a wait if I go on a different night. Would still recommend you try it just for the food

Dined here two months ago for their one night special dinner celebrating 10 years at the CBD location. The menu included 16 popular dishes from 2015-2025 served over seven courses. I was seated at the counter where all the action was happening which was nice. Most of the dishes were very tasty, you get to experience so many flavour and texture combinations and spices. The amount of food was just right. Favourites were the pickled mussel, baby cucumber with cashew cream, prawn cutlet, scallop with silken tofu, crispy eggplant, wagyu beef with black pepper sauce, and both the desserts. Also service was great; staffs were friendly and attentive, and pacing of the course was good considering how busy it was.

This was SENSATIONAL !! The best dinner I’ve had in Melbourne, completely and totally in love with how simple everything was, simple is hard to do well as there is no room for error. This was 10/10 in every sense, I loved the tea pairing with the food - a wonderful point of difference. Wow, wow, wow, I cannot wait to be back 🦆 I’ll be dreaming of crispy eggplant until that day !

One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while — absolutely worth it. The Peking duck was incredible with perfectly crispy skin, and the toothfish was light, delicate, and delicious. We enjoyed our date night here on a Wednesday, and the bonus of BYO with no corkage made it even better though we ended up spending 350+ because the food is sooooo delicious! We feel so lucky to have discovered this gem

Waited in line only to find out the pandan croissants were sold out and I was devastated. But the amazing staff were really helpful and I was able to get a fresh batch, they are always incredible! Beautiful pastries and super great staff. Will definitely be back

💰 Menu & Price • 🎃 Halloween Danish • 🥐 Plain Croissant x2 💵 Total: $21.23 ✨ Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) 🤝 Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) 🍰 Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️(5/5) 💬 Review One of my favourite bakeries ever 🥰 I tried the Halloween Danish and the Plain Croissant this time. I’ve had the pandan croissant before — it’s quite sweet 🍬 but the plain croissant is absolutely the best 🥐💛 Perfectly buttery, crisp, and light — pure happiness in every bite 😋✨

Pretty good pastries but there was a very long line to get in. The pandan was very popular and took us two tries to get it as it kept getting sold out. While it was good, I wouldn’t get it again as it tasted like a normal croissant that was green. The croissants were fresh and hot and it was good.

Agathe is a popular patisserie in Melbourne with multiple locations. I’ve been a few times and there are always lines on the weekend. I recently got to try the pandan croissant and it really surprised me. The flavour was definitely sweet but didn’t feel heavy. And the pastry itself was just so crispy, flaky and chewy - one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. I particularly liked that it didn’t fall/flake apart when biting into it! It was also moist and seemed freshly made. The other typical flavours like plain and chocolate are good but didn’t stand out like the pandan. Price definitely isn’t cheap at almost $10. Definitely recommend a visit and hope you’re lucky with timing (I was there after lunch).

A 100% must visit shop when visiting the South Melbourne Market. Agathe Patisserie is a handcrafted, authentic French pastry shop located at the South Melbourne Market. With heaps of variety to choose from there is a pastry for everyone weather it be an almond croissant, a pear pastry or countless other options there is something for everyone. Thank you for having us and we will be coming back again.

13/7/25 - 4.5 stars Probably one of the most famous bakery chains in Melbourne and for good reason. I was recommended this place several times and seems like many other ppl were too cos the lines are always long. That being said, service turnover is quite fast. The pastries are freshly made and in pretty big batches, but, even still things were sold out like the flan which was highly recommended. The quality of the croissants were exceptional though so was worth waiting. Croissants Pandan: SS, 9/10. As advertised, delicious but maybe just a bit too sweet Original: SS, 9/10. Just buttery and tasty. Texture: SS+, 9.5/10. As good as any I've ever had Value: S, 7/10. $9 for pandan is a little bit much but $7 for original is good.

OK, what do you get when you cross a croissant with a croque monsieur? No, not a ham and cheese croissant, much much more. Agathe Patisserie bakes this little number well, keeps them warm in a pie warmer for lunch (Royal Arcade store) and takes me straight back to Paris where often a boulanger adds a dollop of bechamel to the leg ham and gruyère before rolling/baking the ultimate lunchtime croissant. Well done Agathe, awesome work mate. Kate Reid your ham and gruyère croissant has a challenger!

Having a early lunch, order signature boat beef noodles, but there was some pork in my soup just wonder if it’s normal, taste still good, but what I have in Sydney city for $6 something would be no different. And then I order pork belly was very disappointed for the taste and tastier: it’s cold and hard no good deep fried pork skin smell, hard to chew, meat part are not tender and feel powdery should be thinner slice.

I went to this restaurant on Friday around 8 PM and waited about half an hour for a table. The food was amazing, tasting just like in Thailand. They even have authentic tuk-tuk decorations inside. The restaurant was quite busy with lots of customers and staff, but it added to the lively atmosphere. The restroom inside is very spacious. The menu is diverse, mostly focusing on Isaan dishes.

Food was very good but the Thai food scene in Melbourne is so good these days that it didn’t wow me as much as I hoped it would. But it was still good and worth another visit. I wished the prices were a bit better for the portion size though. Atmosphere is 10/10. I felt like I was in Thailand. Service is also really good and despite there usually being a line, it moves at a decent pace.

Typical Asian restaurant, service isn't a priority, which is absolutely fine. The food is EXCELLENT. Had the raw shrimp salad, fried intestines and ox tongue. The shrimp was super fresh and the salad sauce was not fishy. Ox tongue is superlative! Grilled to tender perfection and went well with the flaked salt and crushed garlic condiments. Fried intestines were also crunchy and fresh. Would definitely return if I go to Melbourne again.

I just LOVE this place so much. The food tastes so good and the service is really quick. I also liked the atmosphere because it had a tuktuk and street food stalls as their paying counter which I found was very creative. If you ever visit Melbourne CBD you should definitely try Soi 38!!

I ordered beef boat noodle. it was standard for me. My brother ordered tom yam noodle, he likes it. He came twice just to eat the same dishes. The beef ball was ok, the coffee was standard, I prefer Vietnamese one. Overall ok

A cool little place down the alley, has alot of potential but sadly the crispy pork and crying tiger were very dry and had no hint of moisture. The prawn entree was great though, plenty of flavour. Overall had potential to be good but didnt hit the mark. Have had alot better in the city.

We went to this restaurant for a birthday celebration and enjoyed every single dish from the set menu we had. The highlight of the menu was the duck, which was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Overall, it was a modern and refreshing experience. I was looking for a set menu where steak wasn’t the main course and there was a touch of creativity — and this place delivered it perfectly.

Love this place! Nice modern cuisine and focus more to modern asian cuisine. Love the raw beef tartare. The sriracha added a nice taste to the beef. Their spanner crab toast taste fresh, crunchy & creamy. Their cheesecake desserts not only pretty but also delicious. Love it! On the pricey side, but still worth the value.

Every bite was full of surprises! The dishes captured Southeast Asian flavours perfectly, authentic yet creative, with great depth and richness. Highly recommend the Wagyu tongue and bone marrow, simply outstanding! The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, and the staff were super friendly and accommodating, they even helped us store our belongings. It was a busy day, yet we never felt rushed. A truly enjoyable dining experience!

By far the best restaurant we’ve visited in Melbourne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ we opted for the tasting menu and it did not disappoint. Each course was packed with great texture and delicious flavors. The sourdough bread and claypot rice were favourites! Service was amazing, our table was comfortable - just wow. 100% will be coming back - thank you for making the last night memorable!

My friend and I went for a dinner to Aru Restaurant and it was the best night. Food was delicious, service was impeccable, not one complaint! We tried the signature set menu + added oysters, with a couple cocktails and it was delicious. Flavours were lovely, dishes came out in a timely manner, waiters/waitresses always checking on our table & serving us very well.

Such a great foodie experience! This is the second time I'm coming to this place and I have to say that it's my favourite Asian fusion restaurant in the city. Great atmosphere thanks to the stylish and sleek design, top quality customer service (shoutout to Emanuele for looking after us) and obviously the amazing food. Every dish was a success! I can't wait to come back

My partner and I dined here last night and, while our waitress was absolutely delightful and attentive throughout the evening, the overall experience fell short of expectations. There was an unusually long interval — close to an hour between our entrées and main courses, which was surprising given that the restaurant did not appear particularly busy at the time. Although the food itself was quite enjoyable, the duck, oysters, and spring rolls were all well-executed, the service lacked the same level of polish. When the bill was presented by one of the tall men who worked there, it was followed almost immediately by the EFTPOS machine, without allowing us the opportunity to review the charges first. We also didn’t understand a word he said, he spoke so fast and almost without care that we didn’t catch a word he had said to us when he would sometimes serve us. This interaction felt rushed and very uncomfortable. My partner even got up to pay, yet the staff member still returned to the table with the machine, whilst we had got up to walk towards him, which only added to the awkwardness. (Just rude tbh). Overall, while the food and one member of the service team were commendable (the little lady) , pacing and manner of service would benefit from a more considered and measured approach.

This was a terrible dining experience! The restaurant informed us that there would be an extra charge for bringing our own cake. We were quite surprised because, in Melbourne, we had never encountered a fee for bringing a birthday cake. However, we still found it understandable—similar to how restaurants charge a corkage fee for bringing your own wine. What shocked us was that when we got the bill, we realized they were charging an additional $40 for the cake! We found this completely unreasonable. After some discussion, the restaurant eventually waived the fee. Our total bill came to $399, and I handed over $400, thinking it would be a happy ending. But instead of giving me $1 in change, they returned five 20-cent coins—clearly an intentional insult. A restaurant of that size, and they don’t have a $1 coin?

I only realised after the meal that Smith Street Bistro is a Scott Pickett venue—same guy behind Chancery Lane, which I really liked. This one was… fine. Definitely more affordable, and some of the opening plates felt like nods to Chancery, but the execution wasn’t quite there. The John Dory was nicely flavoured, but the chewy crouton (or whatever it was) threw the texture off. Sauce was solid though. Steak was just that—steak. Nothing wrong, nothing memorable. Chips were a letdown: soggy and cold. Bread was good, anchovies were, well, anchovies. Tartare was alright, tad chewy but fine. Service was attentive and friendly, and the interior was a highlight—really well designed and a great space to dine in. Overall, it was an OK experience, just not on the same level as Chancery Lane but also paying less here.

Such a beautiful & romantic dinner with my mama last night (16/10) 💕 Every dish was amazing, and the staff were so polite and respectful — they even explained the option halal menu clearly. The place was a little crowded and noisy, but the food and service made up for it. A perfect night overall ✨

If it’s French, I am trying. Ordered the cheese soufflé, steak, lamb rump and blueberry soufflé. All the dishes were kind of average but blueberry soufflé was a real surprise - wow..that was the best dish. Will we go back - probably if open during the day and can have soufflé with coffee.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Flavours were delicious, we had steak, lamb shoulder, fries, beans, Pear taste tatin & blackcurrant souffle.

Courtney and the team at Smith St Bistro are absolutely incredible!! From the moment we arrived Courtney was so warm and welcoming and her team we fabulous! The food was incredible and the interior and decor is stunning. I had booked for my dad’s 80th and Courtney even put candles on his desert without even me having asked. It was such a lovely touch and ending to such a beautiful lunch. I highly recommend going and experiencing the restaurant for yourself 😉

We had been counting down the days to attend our booking at Smith St Bistrot for the NYE dinner. Sitting at one of the adorable booth seats, we enjoyed the stunning meal and boutique drinks. Our waitress even catered to a couple of our dietary needs, which was a blessing. The service was impeccable, atmosphere was on point and my partner and I are already planning on another visit. Happy New Year team, see you in 2025!

Date: 21 April 2025 Today I tried the ROYAL THAI TIDE FEAST ($88PP) and it was absolutely amazing! I also fell in love with their mocktail—I ordered the Andaman and it was soooo good. I really want to go back just to try more from the mocktail menu.😳😳 My friend had wine, and it paired beautifully with the food. You can even ask the staff for pairing recommendations. Even though I’m Thai, this was my first time trying Thai green curry like this—we had the Charcoal Grilled Chicken with Green Banana Jungle Green Curry. The flavor combination was incredible! (P.S. For my fellow Thais, this dish isn’t spicy, so don’t expect heat here! 🌶️🤭) The atmosphere is also lovely and romantic—perfect for a date night. The staff were super friendly and gave us great recommendations. I met Pink (our waitress) and Chef Ken, and they were both so kind and welcoming. Overall, I had a fantastic experience and will definitely go back again! For more information pls DM my IG @enjoyhappylife.ig Or TikTok @gracegungirlforever เทพเกรซพาเพลิน

Thai Tide is my absolute favorite Thai restaurant in Melbourne. The food is full of authentic flavors, with every dish cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a delicious meal. If you love Thai food, this place is a must-visit.

Sat upstairs with some friends to enjoy a few dishes. The cocktails were delish and everything we were served was fantastic! If you want to book a drink place for great Thai, this is one of them. The Laarb, mushroom tofu soup, bone-marrow fried rice, papaya salad are a delish option to start. You must also leave room for dessert!!! They were incredible for those that are celiac/GF!

It’s not a place we’d normally eat at, but we had a voucher so went for a nice dinner. We enjoyed the food. It was so good. The peanut sauce with the roti was awesome as was the noodles

The whole experience was amazing, delicious Thai cuisine with some modern twist, service were spectacular, definitely will come back after try some other items on menu 😋 😀 also Bone Marrow Chilli Basil Beef Fried Rice .......top 5 the best fried rice by far in my mind🔥

This was our first visit to this lovely Thai restaurant. Service, athmosphere, food delicious. We shall come back. P.s.If anything to change it would be morning glory, instead of fried I would like to see steered.

Thai Tide is a gem! The food was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. I especially loved the bone marrow fried rice—it was rich and so satisfying. The green mango salad with crispy fried fish was super refreshing, with just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. The grilled squid was tender and paired perfectly with the green dipping sauce. For dessert, I tried their "Tearamisu," which was an interesting twist on the classic. It had a unique flavor profile that rounded out the meal in a fun and unexpected way—definitely worth a try if you’re up for something different. The service was great—friendly and quick without being overbearing. The vibe of the place is cozy yet lively, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or a catch-up with friends. If you're into elevated Thai food or just looking for something new to try, Thai Tide is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be back for sure!

This was our second time back at Farmer's Daughters. The food was just as amazing as our first time — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced in taste and texture. Our hostess, Bridget, made the experience even better with her attentive, considerate, and friendly service. Even on a very busy night, she remained warm and welcoming, and took the time to chat with us about the food (especially the delicious alpine trout and the soda bread!) and our experience. Her genuine care and hospitality made the evening truly memorable. Thanks Bridget and the rest of the Farmer's Daughters team!

Had a great time at Farmer's Daughter. Service was very warm and personable and the food was all well prepared. The beetroot salad and the cured fish were a touch acidic, however that's easily fixed. The scallops, dry-aged ribeye, soda bread, and fennel burrata salad were highlights. Nice place to drop by for cocktails and food.

Had a wonderful dinner with a well curated menu and polite staff. We tried the chef’s Gippsland Getaway menu and were very impressed with each dish. It was clear that a lot of thought and skill went into balancing and harmonising the intricate flavours. We also added the optionals courses of oysters and short rib to our meal, both of which were fabulous and well worth trying. The first and second courses of fish and trout were outstanding, and the soda bread was a delightful surprise. Overall, it was a truly enjoyable dining experience, and we look forward to coming back again.

Food: Ate at the rooftop bar. Menu is misleading. "Mains" means tiny portion snack with basically 1 item served on a saucer. Extremely overpriced. Expect ~$37 minimum for 1 sausage, ~$47 for several fish fingers. Plates in my photos are tiny plates not mains as you'd expect for a menu's Mains section. Ordered $20 side salad which exclusively had two types of leaves. It wouldn't fill a toddler Service: It took 7 phone calls across an hour to reach an operator between 2-3pm. Cancelling 24 hours ahead costs $50 for rooftop bar. Atmosphere: 2nd level was entirely empty around 5pm. Rooftop was very quiet & Exhibition St car horns disturb the peace. Bad location for parking, pub vibe, gross toilets & modify booking is only over phone/walk in. There is a web chat feature too but no-one responds. To change the booking time we had to call the function option and then try the main line to finally get through to someone. Would never go back or recommend to anyone

My girlfriend and I went here for her birthday. I have dined at many restaurants and Farmer's daughters is now one of my favourites. The flavours were simply sublime! We did the 5 course degustation. Each course was unique and stimulated different taste sensations. It is hard to describe the party that was going on in my mouth. The bread was an absolute standout! The cocktails were also flavourful and delicious. We had some tea at the end to finish the meal and we both enjoyed the chance to sit back and relax at the end of the meal. The wait staff were attentive and were able to give us brief but useful introductions to each course. I would highly recommend this place!

Booked last minute on arrival in Melbourne for a big birthday weekend including Vue de Monde. We were upstairs in The Restaurant. This meal was excellent indeed, service great, value also great and all round it's a 15/20 experience for mine. We had: Lake’s Entrance fish (crudo), cucumber jelly, smoked buttermilk; Baked Noojee alpine trout, mountain pepper cream, trout caviar. Lots of dill; Ramarro Farm Jerusalem artichoke, Parisienne potatoes, lemon & bayleaf broth. Added Truffle; Grilled Terramirra Park venison, bone marrow, pickled cumquat, confit leek; Fruit Forest fig leaf parfait, poached fig, almond tuile.

Fresh local produce cooked perfectly. Enjoyed it all. Esp the asparagus entree that came with the Chefs selection menu. We lucky to get a spot to eat as did not book, enjoyed watching chefs cooking food at the bar stool seating. Good people getting along makes good food

Modern styling with beautiful lighting, the venue and atmosphere certainly impress. The staff were friendly and unpretentious which was somewhat surprising given the price point. We were recommended to order 2 small 2 large and 2 sides and opted for 2 small 2 large 1 side and 1 dessert. Despite this being in line with the suggested serving sizes we did require a Messina run on the way home as it was not particularly filling. At +$150pp I think this is a lovely venue to experience for a special occasion but considering the cost there are superior fine dining venues of better value

I had high expectations because of the good reviews online but was let down. I do not personally think the food was worth the prices charged. prawn toast $26 5/5 no complaints, was the highlight of the night. If I ever came back, I would only order this dish lol jasmine nonalcoholic drink $18 5/5 fragrant and refreshing Tasmanian Salmon $35 1.5/5 for the price, i expected a thicker cut or better quality. the amount of salmon given was very small and it tasted very average. Lobster fried rice $46 2.5/5 the fried rice itself was nice but the lobster felt oddly placed on top, and did not feel connected as a dish Eye fillet $110 2.5/5 Was good but not worth the money, slightly on the salty side for my liking considering the sauce and lemony salt on the side added even more salt. mont blanc $20 2.5/5 first few bites was nice as it has a unique texture and taste however, the lack of cream became apparent as I found myself getting thirstier each bite, I do think a bit more cream would really help chocolate sphere $22 2.5/5 nothing amazing but not bad, standard chocolate dessert Our waiter greeted us and showed us to our table but we found ourselves waiting for 5+ min to get the attention of staff to take our order, once we got attention, they asked us who our waiter was and that they would find them (the first waiter never came back so not sure what happened lol). Another staff then came to take our order. Each time we required staff’s attention, we would have to wait several minutes for things that should be expected such as cutlery for our steak and rice that had been sitting on our table for quite some time before we finally got the attention of a staff. Cutlery for each dish should come together.. The lady who took over our first waiter was lovely and helpful and these issues may be due to lack of communication between staff. Overall it would have been nicer to have staff be a bit more attentive as having to wait several minutes each time disturbed our dining experience

The service was absolutely top-notch! ❤️ From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel so welcome and comfortable. Everyone was incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. I would especially like to mention TIBO, who personally attended to us at the venue. 🤗 His warm attitude, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality truly stood out. He went above and beyond to ensure we had an exceptional experience — from recommending the best options to checking in on us with a cheerful smile. Thanks to TIBO and the wonderful team, our visit turned into such a memorable experience. We truly appreciated the care and effort that went into making everything perfect. Highly recommended! 🌟

Such a beautiful venue, the atmosphere, the design, everything was stunning. Every meal we had was absolutely perfect and so delicious, we loved every single dish. And Bianca was phenomenal, so warm, attentive, and made the whole experience feel really special. We couldn’t have asked for a better night. Can’t wait to come back!

Yugen Dining was an amazing experience and had great atmosphere. I came for dinner the other night for my partners birthday and it was a lot of fun. We had a waiter named lachlan (I think), had a good conversation with him. From a person that only has worked there for 1 month, I must say whatever Yugen does to train their employees is beautiful. The customer service was excellent the staff are friendly. A tip to anyone coming, i suggest booking the chef’s experience menu, as the normal booking only has a selective option.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s elevated, visually striking, and where the food is both refined and adventurous, Yūgen is definitely one of Melbourne’s top picks in the Japanese‑fusion / modern Asian space. It’s not casual, but in many ways that’s its strength — it aims high, and mostly delivers.Ambience and setting: Yūgen does very well to create that “special occasion” feel. If you’re after somewhere to impress, or to mark something, this delivers. High calibre of food: The fusion is done thoughtfully; you can tell there’s respect for Japanese traditions, but also playful creativity. It seldom feels gimmicky. Variety of spaces: If you want theatrical/casual/luxury/private‑and‑intimate, they’ve provided options, which is nice. Strong food & drink pairing: Good thought put into beverages to match the food, plus strong dessert/sweets options. Special thanks to the Manager Thibault and Andrea for making our evening very memorable.

Visited Yugen Dining last night not really knowing what to expect. The atmosphere is definitely leaning towards a younger crowd and can get a little loud, definitely feels like a very “scene” place to be. Service was impeccable - waters constantly filled, food came at a good pace, and where mistakes were made quickly acknowledged and I appreciate that sense of ownership and quick rectification. Food was also very good. - The prawn toast with Chinese donut - great springy texture and nailed the sauce - king prawn with noodles was very flavoursome - fried eggplant was moreish - very delicious - the chestnut Mont Blanc texture is probably not going to be for everyone but I really enjoyed it and reminded me of a classic Chinese dessert Is Yugen pricey? Yes. But I can see why people come here for a night out! Delicious food and very vibey - also a great cocktail list

Had a wonderful dinner here a few months ago. Service was attentive. Food was fantastic. Honestly not a single bad bite. Portions were great. Ice cream was gigantic and filling! Ordered some extras as well such as the duck. Well worth it. Sides actually complimented the mains well. Not a side for the sake of a side. My friends ordered some cocktails and those were fantastic too. Would definitely return with more diners. Fantastic establishment!

The food was really good, and the drinks were nice. The staff were friendly and made us feel welcome. Asian fusion food like this can't go wrong! The smoked king prawns were amazing, and they came with a dipping sauce that was so tasty. The bass grouper was also delicious, fresh and cooked just right. Would definitely come back again!

Everything was wonderful! The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly kind and friendly. It was my boyfriend’s birthday, and they even lit a candle to celebrate. Such a small gesture, but it felt so warm and thoughtful. At some restaurants, even when they know it’s a special occasion, they don’t do anything, which can make me feel a bit disappointed, so I was really touched that Yan made the effort for my boyfriend. We ordered the “Feed Me” set, and for only $88, we enjoyed a wide variety of delicious dishes. By the end, we were absolutely full! I even thought, “How is it so cheap for this quality of food and experience?” I especially loved the rice, I’ve never tasted rice like this before. It was so delicious I just couldn’t stop eating it. The lamb was also incredibly tender, with almost none of the strong smell it usually has. I didn’t even need a knife to cut it, just one bite and it melted in my mouth. It’s definitely worth the price for the food, atmosphere, experience, and wonderful service. I’ll be coming back to try other dishes, Yan is now on my list of favorite places in Melbourne! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would give 100 stars for this experience! I really want to try the coconut ice cream here, but it’s a bit too big for two people, so I haven’t had the chance yet. Hopefully Yan will offer a smaller version one day so I can finally try it 🥺.

My recent weekday dinner here was absolutely delightful! Every dish was outstanding, and I particularly adored the cold-smoked prawns – their plump texture and exquisite smoky fragrance were divine. The mocktail, a fantastic recommendation from the staff, was wonderfully refreshing and delicious. The staff were all friendly, striking that ideal balance of attentiveness and discretion, which created a comfortable atmosphere. With other intriguing dishes on the menu, a return visit is definitely a must!

Food was delicious 🤤 service was great. Beef was my favourite! The rice was one of the best I’ve tried. The flavours in everything was very unique. Loved the donut for dessert as well. We left very happy. Love trying new restaurants and leaving satisfied, especially when you can’t make it at home! 💜 only downer I would say is the mocktail I bought for $19, there was hardly anything in the small glass with a huge ice cube

We decided to try the First Table option @5pm and it was buzzing already. We opted for the feed me menu… We had the best date night with fantastic food and fantastic service. The waiters were great to chat with, they made us feel at home and we would definitely recommend it to friends. Everything was so yummy! We rolled out of the restaurant very happy!

This was our first visit to this restaurant and overall a delightful experience. When we arrived we were greeted with the host and were sat at the very end of the restaurant close to the kitchen area which had a lot of traffic and extra noises. The staff were helpful, polite and helped us go through the menu items. The drink menu however was not organized in a standard way and even the servers had a hard time showing us some of the drink items. Overall the menu is not extensive but every item on it has had a lot of thought behind it and they were designed and prepared according to the standards that you expect from a restaurant in this category. However all the main courses- especially the chicken katsu, lack proper seasoning and it was neither offered or placed anywhere to reach for. The MVP of this visit however was the magnificent Coconut ice cream that had a unique taste profile which was something completely different from what we had before. To be fair without this ice cream that I highly recommend to everyone, the experience wouldn't have been rated 4/5. Overall great experience and definitely for a relatively new restaurant in this category, plenty of room for improvement.

I got a Big Ripper and a small chips. The burger was tasty and not massive, for me it was a good size but if you're a big eater you might want to try a bigger burger or add things on. I liked the fact they had mini chips, because sometimes I just want a taste at a reasonable price. My chips came out a bit soggy but the staff were very accommodating and made me a fresh crispy batch. The service was excellent and I enjoyed the food, portion sizes and that I got a burger and chips for $18. Hope this place gets a following and stays open!

Tried the chicken burger and it was delicious! Fries and strawberry milkshake were both spot on. Great service and really friendly staff. I highly recommend!

I like the burgers, but toasties are even better. Not sure what cheese they use but it’s great. Coffee on par with Spout around the corner both are good. I really like the manner of owner and staff. The place is super clean and fresh. A place where dining alone feels acceptable and also suitable for small groups. Some punters might find portion sizes small but this is offset by the quality. I prefer smaller but excellent quality food and drink. Oh thick shakes are good too.

We had delicious coffees and burgers. Highly recommend! Awesome friendly service. Such a tasty and affordable burger! The sauce is what makes it. We will be back to support a new local business. Can’t wait to try the soft serve. Thank you.

I think we've had nearly every burger on the menu (including the vegan option), and they're all excellent. Their milkshakes are also very good. I just wish they'd give more chips because the large for $9 is a bit too expensive considering the size of the serving. Still, though, they're really tasty. It's so good to have great food in Ripponlea

Such a cool vibe going on! I had a burger and fries and they were exceptional! Best shoe string fries I’ve had, EVER! And the coffee was perfection! Finally a place in ripponlea with sensational coffee! Definitely my new local.

Best chicken burger I have ever had, and I don’t say that lightly! Cooked perfectly, Karage style, light mayo and in house sauce with a touch of ginger. Damn!! French fries were good and chocolate milkshake awesome old school flavour. Casual vibe and friendly chef. I can’t fault this place.